I have only lived in Colorado for a couple of years and haven't been much past Boulder where we live. We have two little boys ages 4 and 6 and are looking into a weekend getaway to Grand Lake. We just want to go somewhere pretty and have an easy trip. We were thinking renting a boat on the lake or a canoe, enjoying the nature trails, and cute little town. I would love some recommendations as to things to do, where to eat, where to spend the night. I don't know if the waterfront inns are expensive...haven't really researched much yet but I saw a picture of Grand Lake and was taken by its beauty. Any feedback would be appreciated. If there is a better/easier place not too far from Boulder (we are thinking no more than three hour drive) I would love to hear of it.
M.,
Grand Lake is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit. Yes it probably does have less trees than what you saw but it is still beautiful. There are many places to stay and many things to do. You can go hiking fishing and horseback riding. You are also not far from Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Hope you enjoy the county that I have enjoyed my whole life.
we have a 19 month old and we just took a trip to glenwood springs. we were considering grand lake as well. Anyway, it was a nice trip. we stayed at the americinn which is about a 10 min walk from downtown glenwood springs. Anyway, the hotel has an indoor pool with a big water slide (empties into 3 ft of water) and a shallower section with a little kiddy slide. breakfast included. kid had a blast. The location is beautiful and you can also bike along the canyon. we did the hanging lake hike, but it is a tough hike, especially with little kids.
HI M.,
Grand Lake is awesome during the summer! We spent a whole summer building a client's house there, and a whole winter on another home (let's not talk about the winter time ;0) Our favorite joint to eat in the summer is Dairy King (YUMMY), Pancho & lefty's is good food, not really authentic mexican but still ok. And an all around really good BBQ is Sagebrush (they always have awesome service).
Western Riviera is THE BEST & MOST INEXPENSIVE Place to stay. Cabins, motel apartments, etc. The cabins are newly remodeled & have one's with awesome walk in showers. They are about 2 blocks east of the lake. You can also take a drive on trail ridge road and go through Estes Park. Have fun we have truly enjoyed our time in Grand Lake, I know you will too!
Our friends have a lovely cabin for rent, right on the lake. You can check it out here:
http://web.me.com/concoulor/TWLC/Welcome.html
Enjoy!
We love GL and are there every couple of months. To stay: Rapids lodge. Horseback riding/trails at Devil's Thumb (we do not recommend Sombrero!!). There is a burger/sandwich/salad place on the road to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park (just outside of town, on the west side) that we would recommend. Obviously, the RMNP. My kids can spend hours at the beach. Shopping; Humphrey's. We have had great experience with the boat tours at the marina in GL. Best short hike: Adam's Falls at the far east end of grand lake. Watch for moose and elk in swampy marshy areas. Have fun! For a break on the way up...Lewis Sweet Shop in Empire.
I am not sure how far Meeker, CO is from you. But It is an awsome place to get away for fishing and camping. Check it out at www.meekerchamber.com.
Hi M.,
The pictures you've seen of Grand Lake may not be at all reflective of its current scenery. I believe that area has been hit VERY hard with the bark beetle and vast areas of trees have been destroyed and/or removed.
You can check with the Forest Service to be sure.
Just don't want you to be disappointed...
B.
Grand Lake is great for a weekend getaway.
Trailridge Road
Sagebrush restaurant at the end of town- easy with kids and playground nearby
You can rent paddle boats, canoes at the Grand Lake Marina or shops in town
Adams Falls- easy hike not far from town
Library and lots of shops and snack bars around town
SolVista Basin in Granby has free chairlift rides on weekends, hiking trails and a pump track if you bring your bikes
Hot Sulphur Springs outdoor hotsprings 30 minutes away
Rocky Mountain National Park minutes away
So much to do and a great place for a family vacation
My husband manages a townhome property 6 miles from Grand Lake near Lake Granby http://lakegranby.com/unit1/unit.htm
If you want to stay in town in Grand Lake I would try
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/colorado/northwe...
Have Fun!
We just spent the fourth of July weekend in Grand lake with my twin 3 year olds we love it there! I love Winding River Campground, it is a great place to camp and to play. They also have great horseback rides, one and two hour options as well as pony rides that my girls loved! They have a little animal area with bunnies, ducks, sheep, goats, baby cows, pigs, a donkey and a miniature horse. They also have a very small playground, and they rent ATVS if you would like to try and do that. They back to Rocky Mountain National Park and it is gorgeous (of course the pine beetle has done some damage there too, but it is still very pretty)
I agree the hike to Adams falls is nice and easy :)
